By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Head Coach: Matt Furino, 20th year, 99-96 career record.
  

  MATT FURINO

• Coaching Staff: Mike Harris, defensive coordinator, linebackers; Mike Brown, defensive backs; Pat Harold, defensive line, special teams coordinator; James Dutched, offensive coordinator, offensive line; Austin Williams, running backs; Dave Tenney, quarterbacks; Alan Vanderink, running backs; Brian Cockerham, volunteer.
• League: Metro Athletic Conference.
• Playoffs: Division IV, Region 13.
• 2023 Record: 4-6 overall; 4-3 MAC.
• Returning Lettermen (12): Zay Wallace, sr.; Mikai Peeple, sr.; Peyton Anderson, sr.; Drexal McAmis, sr.; X’ion Cunningham, sr.; Camden Radeschi, sr.; Mason Wetzel, sr.; Logan Roberts, sr.; Victor Brown, jr.; Jayden Johnson, jr.; Blake Dunderman, jr.; Daniel Hudson, jr.
• Lettermen Lost (8): Brady McCoy, William Nienhius, Rocco DeAngelo, Tyler Sweitzer, Kalel Kidd, Tanner Roe, L.J. Riley, Walter Siegfried.

OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK

The Falcons will rely on their run game to not only move the ball and control the clock, but also to set up play-action to open up opportunities through the airwaves, with an emphasis to feature their tight ends.

QUARTERBACKS

Peyton Anderson shared time as the quarterback a year ago.

Alex Britt is a new face that joins the program and could push for time in the backfield.

The backup is Brogan Kunkle.

RUNNING BACKS

Despite missing the beginning part of the 2023 season, Drexal McAmis still finished the season with 808 yards rushing and scored 10 touchdowns.

The Falcons’ offense will rely heavily on the strong shoulders of McAmis.

Also expected to get carries and have an opportunity to impact the offense are Blake Dunderman, Joey Guyette and Victor Brown.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The group of Mason Wetzel, Logan Roberts, Dan Hudson, Dan Strollo, X’ion Cunningham and Camden Radeschi will be clearing the paths for the backs and protecting the quarterback.

RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Dunderman is expected to be the starting tight end, with Joey Dilworth and Neil Grimm also expected to see time at the position.

DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK

Field’s defense will play out of a hybrid 3-5 and will look to keep the pressure on the offense by being “extremely aggressive,” according to head coach Matt Furino.

Many of the team’s statistical leaders on the defensive side of the ball have graduated, so the Falcons will need some new faces step up to fill new leadership roles.

LINEBACKERS

Dunderman, Guyette, Anderson, along with Andrew Phillip and Owen Wymer, will fill out the teams linebackers.

DEFENSIVE LINE

All of the familiar faces from the team’s offensive line will also be spotlight leaders across the defensive line.

DEFENSIVE  BACKS

Peeple led the team in interceptions last year with two and returns to help anchor the secondary. Wallace, Brown, Wyler, along with Tristan Hogan and newcomer Cedric Martin, will all hold key responsibilities.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Dan Strollo, Braylan Rufener, Tristan Hogan.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“You always worry about how the team will come together, but so far this group is really jelling nicely,” Furino said.